fourth. text.

[torrefied]

In the interest of having it completed some time this century, I'm taking over the project to create a guide document for new arrivals.

[And he's starting it from scratch, no thanks to Chris.]

If you can tear yourselves away from telling ghost stories long enough to reply, I'm interested to know what information you found most helpful when you first arrived, as well as what you would have liked to know sooner rather than later.

Comments

[text]

[synthedick]

[While Nick isn't exactly trusting of Mello at this point, at least the guy is taking a step in some semblance of the right direction. And that being the case, he replies.]

Noting the locations of the temples, the clinic, the Guard headquarters, and the stores would be good. Those are the questions we get a lot when talking to the newcomers.

[text]

[torrefied]

So you're suggesting a map.

[Not the worst idea, though he'll probably omit the Guard headquarters, because he's him.]

Anything else?

[text]

[synthedick]

[Nick fully expects that, with Mellow being who he is and his history with them, and Nick will just sigh every time he has to explain where the dang place is.]

That's all I've got. Looks like other people have the rest covered.

[But also:]

Good to see you're doing something useful for the folks coming in.

[He means that, too.]

[torrefied]

I neither want nor need your approval.

[He's doing it because it needs to be done. Frankly, it was embarrassing to have L show up and ask for a document like this and have to tell him it still didn't exist.]

[synthedick]

I didn't expect you did. Just thought I'd mention it.

[A message courtesy of Nick "Could We All Just Work Together for a Change" Valentine.]

[torrefied]

Then why bother saying something if it's clearly unnecessary.

[synthedick]

Maybe I said it more for my peace of mind than yours.

[Or maybe he just does what he wants because he feels it's for the best. You know, like someone they know.]

[torrefied]

I'm remarkably unconcerned with whether your mind is at peace.

[synthedick]

Duly noted.

[He'd be sassier, but let's be honest: it'd be a waste. At least Mello is doing something good for whatever reason, and he knows he's got eyes on him.]

[torrefied]

Do you honestly think I'm so stupid that I don't know what you're up to?

[synthedick]

No, but I also wagered you were smart enough to avoid jumping to conclusions. Guess I had to be wrong about something.

[torrefied]

I don't jump.

[synthedick]

Running, ambling, careening toward. Whatever your preferred method of getting there is, it's all the same to me.

[torrefied]

You're honestly going to try to tell me that you're not monitoring me? Lying is pointless when it's obviously unbelievable.

[synthedick]

I never said that, and if you assume I'd even try, then you might want to rethink that whole 'jumping to conclusions' thing.

[torrefied]

No? Is that not the function of the City Guard? I mean, I know you're all complete shit at that job, so maybe even this is beyond your capabilities.

[synthedick]

So says the guy who did community service.

[If only sighs and eyerolls were audible through text.]

But since you can't seem to get it through your head, I'll make it clear for you: I never said I wasn't monitoring you because I don't see the point in lying to you or telling you what you already know, or what I thought you knew. That's not an official function of the City Guard, but I make it my business to keep an ear to the ground.

[torrefied]

You know, I think that might be how people end up with cockroaches in their ears. You might want to watch out for that.

[synthedick]

Given what I am, I could have worse things crawling around in there. Though if the Door does bring cockroaches our way, let's hope they're not the kind where I come from.

[Big. Mean. Radioactive.]

I'll let you get back to work for now. Thanks for picking this up.

[Despite Mello's attitude, he means that.]